Have you ever had those mornings when you wake up and say, “Man, I really want some pho today?” Well, today was one of those days.

We found Chau VeggiExpress, which is located in Vancouver, British Columbia.  There are two locations, one in Granville Island Public Market and one in East Vancouver, which is the one we went to.

CLICK HERE for more info on Chau VeggiExpress. If you are in Vancouver and looking for something to do CLICK HERE for more on Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

MISSION STATEMENT

Chau VeggiExpress is a “Community-based vegetarian eatery, serving primarily vegan savory dishes inspired by Vietnamese roots in family and culture.”

Their mission statement is “As a member of the local community, we take initiative in food security, sustainability, consciousness and education – one veggie meal at a time.”

INSIDE CHAU VEGGIEXPRESS

There were two rooms, one that has a mini bar you could eat at and the other more of a cafeteria-style seating.

HAPPY HERD FARM SANCTUARY

After reviewing their website I realized they have a program where you place a takeaway order and bring your own container. In return you will save 25 cents on your order or they’ll donate it to The Happy Herd Farm Sanctuary.

Happy Herd Farm Sanctuary is a registered non-profit farm animal sanctuary for farm animals either abused or at risk. It is the first farm animal sanctuary on the West Coast in Canada. How amazing is that?! Giving back to the animals, so thankful we decided to eat here and support a like-minded restaurant.

They have a wide variety of food options from curry’s to noodles and soups.

APPETIZERS

The Baisoa Beach Chips were bomb! Hand-cut taro chips with a paprika garlic spiced organic tofu dip, say what?!. The taro chips were crunchy to perfection and the dip was really tasty.  The creamy dip had a savory peanut taste to it.  I even dipped some of my veggies from my pho in it. Delicious!

The next appetizer we ordered was the Nonla Crispy Rolls, which had rice paper, kale, mung beans, taro, organic tofu, garlic, shallots, sesame, and vegetable filling with lemon vegan “fish” sauce.

One dish I really miss after going plant-based is the deep-fried Vietnamese rolls (drool) and this place did it right! THANK YOU!

It was crispy, fresh, packed with flavor and everything I’ve been missing in a vegan Vietnamese deep-fried roll. This was my highlight! Wish I could take these back to Cali with me!

MAIN DISH

The Candle Lit Lantern Pho Soup was ok. It had star anise, cinnamon, cardamom broth, organic tofu, daikon chunks, bean curd, lotus root, mushrooms, herbs, flat rice noodles, bean sprouts.

I love pho, so I was a bit harsh while critiquing it.  For one the soup to veggie/noodle ratio was off. They gave a lot of veggies and noodles but there wasn’t enough broth. We ordered extra broth, which was a bit pricey considering it wasn’t a lot and came in a mug (I think it was like $3, give us a bowl full for that price!).  But I do commend the amount of veggies and noodles given.  The broth on a scale from 1 to 10, 10 being AMAZING, I give it a 7.

DRINKS

Villn and I got the Vietnamese vegan coffee made with almond milk.  It was definitely on the stronger side and not sweet at all.  I didn’t mind though because I needed that extra kick to start my day.

If you are ever in Vancouver I highly suggest eating at Chau VeggiExpress. Don’t forget to bring your own container and donate the savings to The Happy Herd Farm Sanctuary, if you order to go.  And if you are a pho connoisseur like me, just don’t order the pho LOL.

Happy healthy guilt-free eating!  Thanks PHO reading! Feel free to comment below. -Val Pal